Can Stress Make You Sick? The Answer Might Surprise You. When we feel stressed, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response.
But too much stress can suppress our immune system and make us sick more easily. Prolonged periods of stress can increase our risk for several diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
- High Blood Pressure
Whether you’re managing a hectic work schedule, trying to juggle life with children or navigating a new normal in an ever-changing world, stress can affect your health.
Long-term stress can drain your body, affecting your blood pressure and heart rate. It can also influence your sleep patterns and make you feel more fatigued.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for a number of serious medical problems, including heart disease and stroke. It can also cause brain damage and kidney disease.
However, high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer.” Sometimes it causes no symptoms, and your doctor may not realize you have it until it’s too late. If your blood pressure suddenly rises, it’s an emergency that needs immediate treatment.
- Headaches
Headaches are pains that occur in any part of the head, including blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and tissues like the eyes, ears, or sinuses. They can range from mild, tolerable pain to severe headaches that can interfere with daily life.
Headache can also be a symptom of other health conditions. If you think your headache is serious, talk to a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
A good sleep schedule is essential for reducing the frequency of headaches, as are a balanced diet and consistent hydration. Avoiding caffeinated and spicy foods can help reduce headaches as well.
- Digestive Issues
The digestive system is a very important part of the body. It helps your body absorb essential nutrients and excretes waste.
It also controls how you feel and respond to stress. If you have a problem with your digestion, this can lead to many health complications.
Digestive issues can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause. If you have any symptoms that may be related to your digestive system, seek medical attention immediately.
The digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It also includes some other parts of your body that work together to digest food.
- Colds
Stress is the body’s response to a challenge or demand. It can help you meet deadlines or make you prep for a major test, but too much can be harmful to your health.
It has been estimated that stress may play a role in up to 80% of primary care visits. It can affect many areas of your life, including your immune system.
Colds are one of the most common forms of a respiratory infection. They typically start with a runny nose and sore throat.
As the cold progresses, nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, headache, mild fever, and body aches can occur. It can last for a few days to a week. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor if you have any symptoms, especially if you have other conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Inflammation
Inflammation is an important part of your body’s natural response to infection or injury. It causes redness, swelling, pain and loss of function in the affected area.
It helps the body fight off irritants like allergens, infectious bacteria or even a twisted ankle that would otherwise cause problems if it were not inflamed.
However, too much inflammation can be harmful to your health. It’s often the result of prolonged stress, poor diet or lifestyle habits like smoking and lack of sleep.
Getting enough rest and reducing your stress levels are important ways to help slow down inflammation. Practicing breathing exercises and meditation can also be helpful. Talking to a friend or counselor can be beneficial as well. It can give you a different perspective and help you find new solutions to your concerns.